Violation of this federal regulation can result in fines and arrest. So much so, that the Smokies are considered black bear sanctuaries. Bears in the Smokies are unusual in that they often den high above the ground in standing hollow trees. Want to get listed and grow your business? Its hard to say whos more excited about the blueberries crowding this peak every August, the hikers or the bears. When you click and buy we may earn an affiliate commission at no cost to you. June is one of the busiest months at the Great Smoky Mountains National Park for both visitors and the parks 1,500 black bear residents, which is why basic bear safety is so important to learn before you visit. It is home to black bears, who inhabit the elevations of the park. Great Smoky Mountains Institute at Tremont Store: 9275 Tremont Road, Townsend . Bears remain a majority of all the mammals present here, most likely seen during the Spring-summer months. While mostly docile and calm animals, elks may charge at potential threats, including humans, so its best to observe them from a distance.if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[336,280],'smokymtnopry_com-leader-1','ezslot_8',177,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-smokymtnopry_com-leader-1-0'); White-tailed deer are common in the Smoky Mountains Park. In the Smoky Mountains, almost all of the bears are black, but in other regions, the bears can be brown or even cinnamon. Please use them to dispose of garbage. Also Read: Best Time to Visit Smoky Mountains. In some areas the number of bears that have to be trapped and moved away has decreased by ten fold! Bears have fantastic color vision and an amazing sense of smell. Every time we looked off of our balcony there he was. If you are careless with your food or litter, YOU may be responsible for a bear's death! The black bears can be seen in all elevations of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park and the surrounding areas. We also share helpful tips and guides on a variety of topics related to animals and nature. Black in color, they are around six feet tall and three feet high at the shoulder. wildlife viewing in Great Smoky Mountains National Park, 4 Interesting Facts About Salamanders in the Great Smoky Mountains, Top 3 Safety Tips About Viewing the Smoky Mountain Wildlife, Top 3 Reasons Why You Can See Salamanders in Great Smoky Mountains National Park During the Winter, 3 Reasons Why Black Bears in the Smoky Mountains Dont Truly Hibernate, Top 6 Historical Places in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, How to See Your Favorite Smoky Mountain Wildlife in the National Park, Top 10 Things to Know About the Great Smoky Mountains National Park Before You Go. The best way to explore the area is to drive along the 11 mile loop . 3. Throw non-food objects like rocks or sticks. Take care of your own safety: Consider carrying bear spray, make noise when passing around blind corners or through thick brush, and observe from a distance. Violation of this federal regulation can result in fines and arrest. Take care of your own safety: Consider carrying bear spray, make noise when passing around blind corners or through thick brush, and observe from a distance. They also feast on dead animals and prey on deer. Everyone wants to know where you are likely to see black bears in the Smoky Mountains. It can also make the bear too brave and result in a bear attack. Back away slowly and quietly without disturbing the creature. Absolutely not. Still, they will also give off warning signals before striking, that infamous loud rattle that lets you know you are too close. Being too close may promote aggressive behavior from the bear such as running toward you, making loud noises, or swatting the ground. We came across a Huge Bear in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park on the Grotto Falls trail as part of the Roaring Fork Motor nature trail and it was one. Most of these incidents were related to hungry bears attacking humans for their food. If you travel to Gatlinburg expecting to see black bears everywhere you go, you may be disappointed. Bear attacks in the Smoky Mountains are very rare. Bears over 600 pounds have been documented in the park. They also strictly enforce regulations that prohibit approaching, harassing, disturbing or feeding bears. If you're one of the latter, Great Smoky Mountains is the place. Weight can range from 200 to 600 pounds. Black bears can live anywhere from 12-15 years. With approximately 1,500 bears in the park, the population density is roughly two bears per square mile! Are Mountain Monsters Real: 10 Mountain Monster Stories, Common Animals in the Great Smoky Mountains. In 2006, biologists estimated that the bear population in the national park was around 1,500, which means there is an average of two bears every square mile. A total of 750,000 black bears reside in North America but are only responsible for less than one death per year, showing that it is very uncommon for them to attack you unprovoked. If you are caught by a parker ranger, you will receive a fine of up $6,000 and a jail sentence of up to 6 months.if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'smokymtnopry_com-large-mobile-banner-2','ezslot_12',179,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-smokymtnopry_com-large-mobile-banner-2-0'); Bears who eat human food and their waste live a shorter life. The Great Smoky Mountains National Park is one of the largest protected areas in the east of the United States. Grizzly bears can only be found in a few states in the US, including Wyoming, Montana, and Idaho. Females with newly born cubs usually emerge from their winter dens in late March or early April. Colonial Properties Logo | Pigeon Forge & Gatlinburg Cabin Rentals. With a population density of 2 bears per square mile, it's highly likely you'll run into one of these creatures while you're exploring the Smokies. Although bear attacks on humans are rare, they can happen. All you need to know about the most visited national park in the country. Cades Cove Visitor Center: 686 Cades Cove Loop Road, Townsend, TN 37882. Bears can often be seen around the old cabins.if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'smokymtnopry_com-leader-1','ezslot_7',177,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-smokymtnopry_com-leader-1-0'); How visitors behave while in the Smoky Mountains National Park has an impact on the safety of the black bears. Coyotes grow to about 4 feet in length and weigh up to 50 pounds. In addition, they are good tree climbers, can swim very well, and can run 30 miles per hour. In fact, it's so uncommon that it can be difficult to find many statistics on the subject. The bear is demanding more space. Bears in the park are wild and their behavior can be unpredictable. They dwell in the woods and meadows, where they browse on grass and other forest foliage. You should use binoculars, cameras, or spotting scope to look at bears up close instead of trying to physically get near them. Get full access to Outside Learn, our online education hub featuring in-depth fitness, nutrition, and adventure courses and more than 2,000 instructional videos when you sign up for Outside+ This approach allows bears to remain in their home range, and discourages them from visiting developed areas or approaching people. While seeing these creatures is never guaranteed, there are places where you are more likely to see them. They are wild animals and can be unpredictable. Great Smoky Mountains National Park NC, TN Black Bear Management This orphaned bear cub from the Smokies gets another chance with a foster bear at Virginia Tech. Don't leave food for the bear; this encourages further problems. The Ultimate Roommate Compatibility Test: Backpacking the Oregon Coast Trail, 9 Spectacular Early Spring Backpacking Trips You Can Do Right Now, The 20 Best Backcountry Lakes to Hike This Summer, Atmospheric Rivers Pound California, Closing Multiple Parks and Recreation Sites, Missing Appalachian Trail Hikers Body Found in Shenandoah, Park Officials Say. A bear might stand on its hind legs to get a better view and survey its surroundings. About 85% of their diet is from plants, though. Therefore, keep your camera ready and stay alert! The family was asleep in their tent when they awoke at approximately 5:20 a.m. to a bear tearing into their tent. Especially a mother with cubs. If youre one of the latter, Great Smoky Mountains is the place. How Common are Bear Attacks in Smoky Mountains? But only when provoked. It has been estimated that about 1,500 bears live in the park, which is equal to a population density of roughly two bears per square mile. Act together as a group if you have companions. Many people think black bears in the Smoky Mountains are carnivores, but they are actually omnivores! Many people think leaving food inside a car is safe, but bears will happily break into a vehicle to access a granola bar. You can also find animals roaming in the Park around the Cades Cove at dusk the best time to view wildlife in the Great Smoky Mountains. Bears just like their space and mind their business, so just allow them that and all should be well! Explore the most visited national park in the country. For protein, black bears will eat Insects and animal carrion. 2. Poaching activities can be somewhat curtailed, and bear populations can eventually rebound from the losses. They usually keep to themselves, and rarely attack unprovoked, so as long as you maintain a distance and observe with binoculars and cameras, you are set to have an incredible experience without mishaps! Some are pretty friendly; others prefer to stay out of sight, while others are dangerous and can pose a threat if not treated with proper respect. Dont make sudden movements that could startle or disturb the bear. Big Sky Lodge #438. Here are the top 4 places to see bears in the Smoky Mountains: 1. Bobcats are solitary, reclusive felines that live in theSmokies. 250 pounds. Smoky Mountain Black Bears (American Black Bear) are most active during morning and early evening during Spring and Summer. These pervasive intruders feed on the acorns and other foods that are mainstays of bear diets. If you do a bit of exploring you are likely to see one. Make yourself look bigger to the bear. Sign up for Outside+ today. 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